Merry Christmas! Again! (Remember to take the Christmas tree down this morning before you go out...)

It may be Christmas Day, but I'm afraid I cannot report lots of fluffy white snow to you this morning.

Instead, I'm lumped with talking about very mild conditions, wind and rain.

Yuck.

Of course things can't be perfect all the time. Not even in Niseko 17/18.

But the good news is that we are looking at a quick turn around with conditions and snow is due to be falling by this evening - possibly much sooner - and then we are on for snow falling throughout the coming week and heavily at times. And we'll need to keep an eye on the winds as well. But we should be able to forget this rainy blip quite quickly.

My recommendation is some bonus festive toast with extra jam this morning and a relaxing day, perhaps a good soak in an onsen. Or if you are particularly keen you could perhaps bravely battle the conditions; though wind looks like it's going to be playing against you though with mostly only lower lifts looking to be open at the start of the day. See below for the situation at 8:30am.

Above zero temperatures have made runs difficult to groom. A low pressure system will pass through before noon. Expect temperature drop, blizzard and conditions to deteriorate even more than now on the mountain. With the rain and heavy melt snow, snow bridges over the creeks can easily collapse. Also under lift lines, off the side of the course and even snow on the roof will crumble easily. This snow is heavy and very dangerous. If you get buried you cant inflate your chest and will suffocate.

Winter rain causes unexpected problems. It's no fun riding in these bad conditions. Make flexible plans according to the situation. The snow is soft and skiis tips can dig into the snow, careful going fast, crashing and breaking bones.

It is foggy with poor light and bad visibility, better not go out of bounds today. Stay in the ski resort. To avoid accidents all gates are closed today. Dont duck ropes to ride out of bounds. No1 tip for things to do today: go to an onsen.

Lifts scheduled to be operating:- All lifts except Country Road Chair are operating** Strong winds are affecting Gondola and top Wonderland lift at the start of the day

Official snow depth:- Top: 220cm- Base: 170cm

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Floodlit 'nighta' skiing:

Night skiing is planned for every evening at the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri areas. There is no nighta at the Niseko HANAZONO area. Ski lifts that are scheduled to be operating for nighta are noted below (subject to change):